Seating assembly with suspension

ABSTRACT

A lifter mechanism for an edge of a seat cushion includes a bracket pivotable about a transverse bar. The bracket includes a forward lever and a rearward portion. The forward lever is coupled to a channel within a flange of a seat suspension. The rearward portion is coupled to a linkage. The linkage is coupled to a seatback. The forward lever raises an edge of the seat suspension upon the seatback pivoting to a predetermined reclined position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/810,745, filed on Nov. 13, 2017, entitled “SEATING ASSEMBLYWITH SUSPENSION”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method forproviding a motor vehicle seating assembly adapted to assume a firstconfiguration to provide conventional support and restraint in theoperation of a motor vehicle, and adapted to assume a secondconfiguration to provide a relatively level supine platform upon whichan occupant might lie when the motor vehicle is not in operation and,more particularly, to a hip lift mechanism that lifts the rear edge ofthe lower seating structure to the level of the seatback when in thefully reclined position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motor vehicle seating assemblies provided in modern motor vehicles areprimarily designed to provide a support platform designed to accommodatea motor vehicle occupant in a sitting or reclined position, providingsupport for the motor vehicle occupant's back by which the motor vehicleoccupant can safely operate the motor vehicle or travel within the motorvehicle in a comfortable and pleasant manner. Another function of motorvehicle seating assemblies is to assist in restraining the occupant inthe event of an impact or rollover event. For example, in the case of afrontal impact event, the motor vehicle seating assembly is particularlyadapted to restrain the occupant within a prescribed range of positionsso that the motor vehicle's active and passive restraint systems canoperate appropriately.

In the case of the lower seating structure of the motor vehicle seatingassembly, the lower seating structure is typically downwardly inclinedin a rearward direction toward the bite line of the motor vehicleseating assembly to provide an ergonomic seating platform. Thisconfiguration also serves to assist in positioning the H-point of themotor vehicle occupant of the motor vehicle seating assembly, whereby inthe event of a frontal impact event, the forward momentum of the motorvehicle occupant generates a force against the lower seating assembly,which tends to retain the motor vehicle occupant in a position, wherethe active restraint system comprising the seatbelt assembly and thepassive restraint system comprising one or more airbags can be mosteffectively employed.

However, modern motor vehicle seating assemblies typically do notaddress the needs of motor vehicle occupants when the vehicle is parkedand the motor vehicle occupant wants to rest or sleep. Due to themechanisms widely in use to provide a seatback recline feature, theseatback may cause significant discomfort when it moves from adriving/use design position to a resting/sleeping position. Inparticular, existing reclining features tend to create a substantialvertical gap between the lower seating structure and the seatback withthe seatback in the fully reclined position. Likewise, the seatbackoften fails to provide sufficient upper back support when in the fullyreclined position. Features are needed to make the motor vehicleoccupant more comfortable and relaxed. Mechanisms that provide arelatively level supine platform and adequate upper back support aredesired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a lifter mechanism foran edge of a seat cushion includes a bracket pivotable about atransverse bar. The bracket includes a forward lever and a rearwardportion. The forward lever is coupled to a channel within a flange of aseat suspension. The rearward portion is coupled to a linkage. Thelinkage is coupled to a seatback. The forward lever raises an edge ofthe cushion assembly upon the seatback pivoting to a predeterminedreclined position.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   each of the seat cushion and the seatback have an exposed        surface and wherein the exposed surfaces of each of the seat        cushion and the seatback substantially occupy the same        horizontal plane when the seatback is in a fully reclined        position;    -   the linkage has a slot including an upper end and a lower end        and wherein the rearward portion of the bracket is coupled to a        pin received within the slot, wherein the lower end of the slot        being proximate with the pin corresponds to an upright position        of the seatback and wherein the upper end of the slot being in        initial contact with the pin corresponds to the predetermined        reclined position between the upright position and the fully        reclined position;    -   pivoting the seatback between the predetermined reclined        position and a fully reclined position urges the upper end of        the slot against the pin to rotate the bracket and raise the        forward lever and the edge of the cushion assembly upwardly;    -   the forward lever is coupled to a projection and wherein the        projection is slidably received within the channel of the seat        suspension;    -   the seat suspension is in a substantially horizontal position in        the predetermined reclined position and wherein pivoting the        seatback from the predetermined reclined position to a fully        reclined position urges a projection to slide from a forward        portion of a channel to a rearward portion of the channel to        rotate a forward edge of the seat suspension about a pivotable        coupling to raise the rearward portion of the seat suspension;        and/or    -   the predetermined reclined position is about 55.5° relative to a        vertical plane.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a seating assemblyfor a motor vehicle includes a lower seating structure including a seatframe, a seat suspension disposed proximate the seat frame, a pivot barlaterally extending between rearward portions of the seat frame, and alower seat pivot mount disposed at a rearward end of the seat frame, anda cushion assembly supported by the seat suspension. The seatback ispivotable between an upright position and a fully reclined positionoperably coupled with the lower seating structure. The seatback has aseatback pivot mount at a lower portion thereof that is operably coupledwith the lower seat pivot mount. A hip lifter mechanism includes a hiplifter pivot bracket operably coupled with and rotationally disposedrelative to the pivot bar. The hip lifter mechanism further includes aslotted linkage coupled to the lower portion of a seatback frame. Thehip lifter pivot bracket includes a forward lever and a rearwardportion. The forward lever of the hip lifter pivot bracket is operablyconnected to an edge of the seat suspension via a channel within aflange to raise the edge of the seat suspension upwardly upon theseatback pivoting to a predetermined reclined position between theupright position and the fully reclined position. A rearward portion iscoupled to the slotted linkage.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   the seat suspension includes a pair of lateral opposed        suspension frame members and a suspension cross member extending        between the pair of lateral opposed suspension frame members,        the pair of lateral opposed suspension frame members including        nubs for securing a mat to the pair of lateral opposed        suspension members;    -   an inwardly extending member protrudes from at least one of the        pair of lateral opposed suspension frame members and wherein the        inwardly extending member is attached to the lower seating        structure;    -   the inwardly extending member includes a circular opening that        is pivotably coupled to a circular member of the lower seating        structure;    -   the seat suspension includes a suspension frame, a fastener        coupled to the suspension frame wherein the fastener attaches        the suspension frame to the lower seating structure, and a mat        that is coupled to the suspension frame;    -   the suspension frame has a rectangular shape and wherein the        suspension frame includes nubs for receiving attachments of the        mat;    -   the suspension frame comprises a wire overmolded with a        glass-filled nylon;    -   the nubs are hook-shaped and formed of glass-filled nylon;    -   each of the lower seating structure and seatback have an exposed        surface and wherein the exposed surfaces of each of the lower        seating structure and the seatback substantially occupy the same        horizontal plane when the seatback is in the fully reclined        position;    -   the linkage includes a slot and the slot has an upper end and a        lower end and the rearward portion of the hip lifter pivot        bracket includes a pin received within the slot, wherein the        lower end of the slot being proximate with the pin corresponds        to the upright position of the seatback and wherein the upper        end of the slot being in initial contact with the pin        corresponds to the predetermined reclined position between the        upright position and the fully reclined position;    -   a pair of hip lifter mechanisms, wherein each of a pair of hip        lifter mechanisms is disposed proximate one of the pair of        opposed lateral lower seat frame members; and/or    -   the hip lifter mechanism raises the seat suspension and the        cushion assembly between 45 to 70 mm between the upright        position and the fully reclined position of the seatback.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a seating assemblyforms a substantially horizontal plane for an exposed surface of each ofa lower seat cushion and a seatback cushion of a seatback. The seatingassembly includes a lifter mechanism for a rearward edge of the lowerseat cushion that includes a bracket pivotable about a transverse barfixedly mounted to a frame assembly for a seat. The bracket includes aforward lever operably connected to the lower seat cushion and arearward portion. A link is pinned at a first end to a seatback and thelink is pinned at a second end to the rearward portion. The rearwardedge of the lower seat cushion is initially raised by the forward leverupon the seatback pivoting to a predetermined reclined position. Therearward edge of the lower seat cushion is raised to the substantiallyhorizontal plane upon the seatback pivoting to a fully reclinedposition.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front side perspective view of an automotive seatingassembly installed in a motor vehicle in accordance with the presentdisclosure, wherein the seatback of the front seating assembly is in theupright position;

FIG. 2 is a front side perspective view of the automotive seatingassembly of FIG. 1, wherein the seatback of the front seating assemblyis in the fully reclined position;

FIG. 3A is a side view of the hip lifter mechanism of the automotiveseating assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the seatback is in the uprightposition;

FIG. 3B is a side schematic view of the hip lifter mechanism of theautomotive seating assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the seatback is in theupright position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the hip lifter mechanism of the automotiveseating assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the seatback is in the fullyreclined position;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the hip lifter mechanism of theautomotive seating assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the hip lifter mechanism of theautomotive seating assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the seatback is in thefully reclined position;

FIG. 6A is a side schematic view of the hip lifter mechanism of theautomotive seating assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the seatback is in theupright position;

FIG. 6B is a side schematic view of the hip lifter mechanism of theautomotive seating assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the seatback is in thefirst predetermined position;

FIG. 6C is a side schematic view of the hip lifter mechanism with thelink removed of the automotive seating assembly of FIG. 1, wherein theseatback is in the fully reclined position;

FIG. 6D is a schematic side view of the hip lifter mechanism with thelink installed of the automotive seating assembly of FIG. 1, wherein theseatback is in the fully reclined position;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the hip lifter mechanism with thelink installed, wherein the seatback is in the fully reclined position;

FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of the coupling of the seatback frameto the lower seat;

FIG. 8 is a partial front view of the hip lifter mechanism and cushionsuspension system of the automotive seating assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the seating assembly of theautomotive seating assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the secondary suspension of theseating assembly;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the mat of the secondary suspension;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the frame of the secondary suspension;

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the secondary suspension;

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of an attachment clip of thesecondary suspension;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the secondary suspension;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the secondary suspension coupledwith the primary suspension;

FIG. 17 is a first side view of the pivot bracket;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the retention features proximate therearward portion of the pivot bracket;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the retention features proximate theforward lever of the pivot bracket;

FIG. 20 is a first perspective view of a flange of the bracket;

FIG. 21 is a second perspective view of a flange of the bracket;

FIG. 22 is a top view of the bracket;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the bracket;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the bracket taken from the forward lever end;

FIG. 25 is a back view of the bracket taken from the rearward portionend;

FIG. 26 is a second side view of the bracket;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket of FIG. 26 taken alongXXVII-XXVII of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is an elevational view of the transverse bar;

FIG. 29 is a second elevational view of the transverse bar with twopivot brackets; and

FIG. 30 is a side schematic view of the hip lifter mechanism with arrowsto show the direction of motion when the hip lifter mechanism isactivated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,”“exterior,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention asoriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the inventionmay assume various alternative orientations, except where expresslyspecified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specificdevices and processes illustrated in the attached drawing, and describedin the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1-30, reference numeral 10 generally designates avehicle seating assembly for use in a vehicle cabin 8 of a motor vehicle6. The motor vehicle seating assembly 10 includes a lower seatingstructure 12 pivotably coupled to a raised seatback 14. As shown inFIGS. 1-2, the motor vehicle seating assembly 10 is generally configuredfor use in a variety of motor vehicles 6 in a front driver seat, a frontpassenger seat, or a rear seat of the motor vehicle 6 and generallyincludes the aforementioned lower seating structure 12 and raisedseatback 14. A head restraint 26 is also mounted to the top of theraised seatback 14. The motor vehicle seating assembly 10 may beconfigured to be mounted on a support surface, such as a floor pan 28 ofthe vehicle 6. A seat track assembly 30 may be coupled to the lowerseating structure 12 to facilitate fore and aft positioning of the motorvehicle seating assembly 10, as is known. The motor vehicle seatingassembly 10 is generally designed for the comfort of a motor vehicleoccupant, as well as to accommodate and protect the motor vehicleoccupant during a collision event.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-4, a hip lifter mechanism 120 for an edge 166 of aseat cushion (cushion assembly 164 in the depicted aspect) includes abracket 122 pivotable about a transverse bar (pivot bar 48 in thedepicted aspect). The bracket 122 includes a forward lever 124 and arearward portion 126. The forward lever 124 is coupled to a channel 130within a flange 200 of a seat suspension (secondary suspension 52 in thedepicted aspect). The rearward portion 126 is coupled to a linkage 132.The linkage 132 is coupled to a seatback 14. The forward lever 124raises an edge 166 of the cushion assembly 164 upon the seatback 14pivoting to a predetermined reclined position.

FIG. 7 shows the seating assembly 10 in the fully reclined position. Thelower seating structure 12 includes a forward seat pan 34 and a pair ofopposed lateral lower seat frame members 36, 38 having forward andrearward ends 40, 42 attached to opposed lateral edges 44, 46 of theforward seat pan 34 at the forward ends 40 of the opposed lateral lowerseat frame members 36, 38. A pivot bar 48 extends laterally between andis fixedly attached to the rearward ends 42 of the opposed lateral lowerseat frame members 36, 38. Preferably, the forward seat pan 34 andopposed lateral lower seat frame members 36, 38 are fabricated fromrelatively low-weight and high-strength metal components, such ashigh-strength steel or aluminum. A lower seat pivot mount 50 is mountedat the rearward end 42 of the opposed lateral lower seat frame members36, 38.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, a secondary suspension 52 is attached to theprimary suspension 54 and adjustably supported between the pair ofopposed lateral lower seat frame members 36, 38. The secondarysuspension 52 includes a frame 56 and a mat 74.

The seatback 14 is pivotable between an upright position (FIGS. 1, 3A,3B, 6A, 30) and a fully reclined position (FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 6D, 7) and isoperably coupled with the lower seating structure 12. The seatback 14includes a frame 90 having an upper transverse cross member 92, a lowertransverse cross member 94, and a pair of opposed lateral seatback framemembers 96, 98 vertically extending between the upper and lowertransverse cross members 92, 94. Each of the pair of opposed lateralseatback frame members 96, 98 has a seatback pivot mount 100 at a lowerportion thereof that is operably coupled with the lower seat pivot mount50. Preferably, the seatback pivot mounts 100 on each of the pair ofopposed lateral seatback frame members 96, 98 include a circular recess112, and the lower seat pivot mount 50 mounted on each of the pair ofopposed lateral lower seat frame members 36, 38 comprises a circularprojection 114 received within the circular recess 112.

With reference to FIG. 5, the motor vehicle seating assembly 10 furtherincludes a hip lifter mechanism 120, which comprises a pair of hiplifter pivot brackets 122 (also referred to as pivot brackets 122 orbrackets 122) operably coupled with and pivotally disposed relative tothe pivot bar 48. Each of the hip lifter pivot brackets 122 ispreferably formed in a collar-shape that fits over and is supported bythe pivot bar 48. Each of the pair of hip lifter pivot brackets 122 ispreferably disposed proximate one of the pair of opposed lateral lowerseat frame members 36, 38. As shown in FIGS. 6-6D and 7, each of the hiplifter pivot brackets 122 comprises a forward lever 124 and a rearwardportion 126. The forward lever 124 of each of the pair of hip lifterpivot brackets 122 is likewise preferably laterally disposed between thepair of opposed lateral lower seat frame members 36, 38 and beneath oneof the pair of lateral opposed lateral seatback frame members 96, 98 inthe upright position. So disposed, the forward lever 124 of the hiplifter pivot brackets 122 includes a projection 128 that slidablyengages a channel 130 of the secondary suspension 52, and, upon furtherrotation towards the fully reclined position, lifts the secondarysuspension 52.

Referring again to FIGS. 6-6D, a pair of slotted linkages 132 isoperably coupled with preferably the lower portions 134 of the opposedlateral seatback frame members 96, 98. Alternatively, the slottedlinkages 132 may be attached to the lower transverse cross member 94 ofthe frame 90 of the seatback 14. In various aspects, slotted linkages132 may be welded to the lower portions 134 of the opposed lateralseatback frame members 96, 98 or to the lower transverse cross member 94of the frame 90 of the seatback 14. A slotted linkage 132 is pivotallyattached or pinned to an arm 143 at a first end 140 and pivotallyattached or pinned to the rearward portion 126 of the hip lifter pivotbrackets 122 at a second end 142. The pivotable attachment of the firstend 140 of the slotted linkage 132 to the arm 143 of the seatback 14 ispreferably accomplished by a connector 144 secured within an opening146, 148 in each of the first end 140 of the slotted linkage 132 and thearm 143, respectively, allowing relative pivotal motion. As shown inFIGS. 6-6D, the slotted linkage 132 is provided with a slot 150proximate the second end 142 of the slotted linkage 132 that is operablycoupled with the rearward portion 126 of the hip lifter pivot bracket122. The slot 150 of the slotted linkage 132 has an upper end 152 and alower end 154. The rearward portion 126 of the hip lifter pivot bracket122 is coupled to a pin 156 that is received within the slot 150. Invarious aspects, the slotted linkages 132 may be links or linkages ofvarious shapes, sizes, and designs.

In operation, each of the forward levers 124 includes a projection 128that moves within the channels 130 of the secondary suspension 52. Thatis, when the seatback 14 is in the upright position, the lower end 154of the slot 150 is proximate the pin 156 provided in the rearwardportion 126, as shown in FIG. 6A. Thus, when the lower end 154 of theslot 150 is proximate with the pin 156, the seatback 14 positioncorresponds to the upright position of the seatback 14. Similarly, asthe seatback 14 is reclined, the upper end 152 of the slot 150 isbrought into initial contact with the pin 156 provided in the rearwardportion 126, where the seatback 14 position corresponds to apredetermined reclined position between the upright position and thefully reclined position, as shown in FIG. 6B. Preferably, thepredetermined reclined position of the seatback 14 is about 55.5°relative to a vertical plane. Further rotation of seatback 14 toward thefully reclined position further displaces the rearward portion 126 ofthe hip lifter pivot bracket 122 downward, which, in turn, rotates thehip lifter pivot bracket 122 and raises the forward lever 124, whichthen urges the projection 128 backward within the channel 130 of thesecondary suspension 52. This action raises the secondary suspension 52upwardly upon the seatback pivoting beyond the predetermined reclinedposition in FIG. 6B between the upright position in FIG. 6A and thefully reclined position in FIG. 6D.

As best shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4, each of the lower seating structure12 and the seatback 14 have an exposed surface 160, 162, respectively.Preferably, the exposed surface 160 comprises a locally flexible/stretchtrim material relative to the cushion assembly 164 that may be moved inorder to keep the trim material and foam of the cushion assembly 164 intension to maintain a flat surface and eliminate wrinkling. Inparticular, a rear edge 166 of the cushion assembly 164 of the lowerseating structure 12 is raised by moving the seatback 14 to the fullyreclined position, such that the secondary suspension 52 raises theexposed surface 160 of the seat cushion assembly 164 to substantiallyoccupy the same horizontal plane as that of the exposed surface 162 ofthe seatback 14 when the seatback 14 is in a fully reclined position.This benefit might be most appreciated by comparing the relative exposedsurfaces 160, 162 in FIG. 6C, where the slotted linkage 132 has beenremoved and the hip lifter mechanism 120 thus disabled, with therelative exposed surfaces 160, 162 shown in FIG. 6D, where the slottedlinkage 132 is installed and the exposed surfaces 160, 162 occupysubstantially the same plane.

Referring to FIG. 9, preferably, the hip lifter mechanism 120 raises thesecondary suspension 52 and cushion assembly 164 a distance H between 45to 70 mm between the upright position and the fully reclined position ofthe seatback 14 to eliminate pressure on the lumbar and lifting theoccupant's tailbone and hips, as shown in FIG. 9. The result is asubstantially planar and continuous surface from the exposed surfaces160, 162 of the cushion assembly 164 and seatback 14, respectively. Withreference to FIG. 4, preferably, the fully reclined position of theseatback 14 is reached at about 85° from vertical. The fully reclinedposition of the seating assembly 10 extends from front edge 168 of thelower seating structure 12 to an upper portion 170 of the seatback 14.The upper portion 170 of the seatback 14 is adjustable relative to theback of the seatback 14.

In addition, the slotted linkage 132 for the hip lifter mechanism 120provides a passive system that automatically raises the height of thelower seating structure cushion assembly 164 once the seatback 14reaches a desired sleeper initiation angle, here preferably 55.5° fromvertical, and achieves maximum lift of the cushion assembly 164 once theseatback 14 reaches the maximum sleeper angle, here preferably 85° fromvertical. Additional benefits of the hip lifter mechanism 120 disclosedherein is that the forward levers 124 are coupled to the secondarysuspension 52 and disposed between the opposed lateral lower seat framemembers 36, 38 so as not to affect the seating assembly H-point orcomfort when the seatback 14 of the seating assembly 10 is not in thefully reclined position or sleeper mode. Further, the maximum liftheight of the rear edge 166 of the cushion assembly 164 of the lowerseating structure 12 can be readily modified and tuned to specificapplications by relatively simple changes to the system geometry, suchas the shape and length of the slot 150.

Further, the hip lifter mechanism 120 represents a relatively simplemechanical system which can be manually actuated and does not require amotor, although a power actuated vehicle seating assembly can likewisebeneficially employ the disclosed hip lifter mechanism 120. In addition,existing seatback 14, recline latch controls 172 and associatedmechanisms can be readily employed to maintain the seatback 14 in thedesired reclined position between the upright position and the fullyreclined position, while simultaneously providing the lift function forthe rear edge 166 of the lower seating structure cushion assembly 164beyond a predetermined reclined position. Finally, the disposed hiplifter mechanism 120 is readily adaptable as a retrofit device toexisting motor vehicle seating assemblies 10.

Thus, to the extent that a motor vehicle occupant desires a supineposition to rest when the motor vehicle 6 is not in operation, theaforementioned disclosure provides just such a platform upon which themotor vehicle occupant may rest. In accordance with the aforementioneddisclosure, it is now possible to provide a more comfortable sleepingseat surface by raising the height of the rear edge 166 of the cushionassembly 164 of the lower seating structure 12 to make the overallsurface more level and the transition from the cushion assembly 164 tothe seatback 14 less noticeable.

With reference to FIGS. 10-11, the secondary suspension 52 includes theframe 56 and the mat 74. The mat 74 includes a generally rectangularcenter portion 180. The generally rectangular center portion 180 hasattachment features 182, 184 at opposing ends of the generallyrectangular center portion 180. Two additional attachment features 186,188 are at the cross member 68 of the frame 56. The attachment feature182 includes holes 190 for receiving nubs 76. Similarly, the attachmentfeature 184 includes holes 192 for receiving nubs 76. The attachmentfeature 186 includes holes 212 for receiving nubs 210. The attachmentfeature 188 includes holes 212 for receiving nubs 210. In variousaspects, the mat 74 is made of a load-bearing, flexible,creep-resistant, strong material. One such suitable load bearingmaterial is a DYMETROL material available from ACME Mills. Inwardlyextending members 70, 72 of frame 56 include clips 82. Clamps 86 coverclips 82.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the frame 56. The frame 56 includes aninner C-shaped member 58 and an outer C-shaped member 60. Duringproduction of the frame 56, an inner C-shaped wire 59 and an outerC-shaped wire 61 are used. Inner C-shaped wire 59 and outer C-shapedwire 61 have a diameter of approximately 0.8 mm that is over molded withglass-filled nylon portions 62. Attachment clips 82 and nubs 76 aredesigned into the mold. In various aspects, the frame 56 is removed fromthe mold as depicted in FIG. 12. With reference to FIGS. 11-12, invarious aspects, nubs 76 are hook-shaped for receiving the holes 190,192 of the attachment feature 182 and the attachment feature 184,respectively, of the mat 74. The frame 56 includes a pair of lateralopposed frame members 64, 66 and a cross member 68 extending between thepair of lateral opposed frame members 64, 66. Inwardly extending members70, 72 extend from lateral opposed frame members 64, 66.

Referring to FIG. 13, the secondary suspension 52 is visible from thebottom. Flanges 200 protrude from the bottoms of the lateral opposedframe members 64 and 66. In various aspects, flanges 200 are part of abent U-shaped member 208. In the depicted aspect, four molded nubs 210are located on the underside of the outer C-shaped member 60glass-filled nylon portion 62 of the frame 56. The mat 74 attachmentfeatures 186 and 188 include holes 212 for receiving nubs 210. Nubs 210are generally hook-shaped. The frame 56 includes inner C-shaped wire 59,outer C-shaped wire 61, and glass-filled nylon portions 62. In variousaspects, the frame 56 may be described as having a rectangular shape.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 16, the clip 82 protrudes from the inwardlyextending member 72. In various aspects of the disclosure, the clip 82may be another type of fastener for securing a suspension (secondarysuspension 52 in the depicted aspect) to a lower seating structure 12. Acircular opening 83

in the clip 82 receives a circular member of the primary suspension 54.In the depicted aspect, the circular member wire 84. The clip 82 ispivotally coupled about the wire 84.

Referring to FIG. 15, a bottom perspective view of the secondarysuspension 52 is shown. The mat 74 is attached to the frame 56. Flanges200 extend from the frame 56 lateral opposed frame members 64, 66.Flanges 200 each include a channel 130. When the secondary suspension 52is placed in a seating assembly 10 in a vehicle 6 in the forward-facingdirection, the channels 130 have a forward portion 202 and a rearwardportion 204.

Referring to FIG. 16, the secondary suspension 52 is shown attached tothe primary suspension 54 with the clips 82. Clamps 86 secure the clips82 to the wires 84 of the primary suspension 54. A pair of channels 130are located on a pair of flanges 200 that extend from the bottom of thesecondary suspension 52 frame 56. Each channel 130 includes a forwardportion 202 and a rearward portion 204. An opening 206 is proximate thechannel 130. In various aspects, the secondary suspension 52 and theprimary suspension 54 could be molded as an integral part in one tool.The clamp 86 secures the secondary suspension 52 to the primarysuspension 54 (secondary suspension 52 in the depicted aspect).

With reference to FIGS. 17-30, pivot bracket 122 is shown. Referring toFIG. 17, pivot bracket 122 includes a forward lever 124 and a rearwardportion 126. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 17, forward lever 124 includes aprojection 128 for engagement with the channels 130 of the secondarysuspension 52. Rearward portion 126 includes a hole 157 for receiving apin 156 that attaches the rearward portion 126 to the slot 150 in theslotted linkage 132. In various aspects of the disclosure, forward lever124 may be a cantilevered beam. The bracket 122 includes an I-beamstructure 220 that strengthens the bracket 122. The I-beam structure 220includes an upper flange 222 and a lower flange 224. The pivot bracket122 includes a collar portion 230. The collar portion 230 is bounded byretention members 232 on the forward lever 124 side of the bracket 122and retention members 240 on the rearward portion 126 side of thebracket 122. In the depicted aspect, retention members 232 and 240generally oppose one another.

Referring to FIG. 18, retention member 240 includes a first protrusion242 and a second protrusion 244 that are located proximate the rearwardportion 126 of the bracket 122.

Referring to FIG. 19, retention member 232 includes a first protrusion234 and a second protrusion 236 that are located proximate the forwardlever 124 of the bracket 122.

With reference to FIGS. 17-19, a distance D₁ is between the retentionmember 232 and the retention member 240. The distance D₁ refers to thedistance between opposing first protrusion 242 of retention member 240and second protrusion 236 of retention member 232 and opposing secondprotrusion 244 of retention member 240 and first protrusion 234 ofretention member 232.

Referring to FIGS. 20-21, bracket 122 is shown in a first perspectiveview and a second perspective view, respectively. Bracket 122 includesforward lever 124 and rearward portion 126. The bracket 122 isfabricated with an I-beam structure 220. The I-beam structure 220includes upper flange 222 and lower flange 224. Lower flange 224includes outward flanges 274, 276 that are part of the collar portion230 of the bracket 122. Flanges 274, 276 stabilize the pivot bracket 122when it is coupled to the pivot bar 48. Protrusion 128 is on the forwardlever 124. With reference to FIGS. 6, 20 and 21, projection 128 iscoupled to channels 130 of the secondary suspension 52. Hole 157 forreceiving pin 156 to connect the bracket 122 to the slot 150 is locatedon the rearward portion 126 of the bracket 122.

Referring to FIGS. 22-23, a top view of the bracket 122 and a bottomview of the bracket 122 are shown, respectively. The top view of thebracket 122 includes the forward lever 124 and the rearward portion 126.Flanges 274, 276 protrude from the bracket 122. Ribs 282 provideadditional strength to the flanges 274, 276. With regard to FIG. 23, thecollar portion 230 of the bracket 122 is shown inside the flanges 274,276. Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the projection 128 and forward lever124 are also shown.

Referring to FIGS. 24-25, front and rear views of the bracket 122 areshown, respectively. The front view of FIG. 24 includes the forwardlever 124 with projection 128. Referring to FIG. 25, the rear view ofthe bracket 122 includes the rearward portion 126.

Referring to FIG. 26, a second side view of the bracket 122 is shown. Across section of the bracket 122 taken at lines XXVII-XXVII is shown inFIG. 27. In various aspects, the pivot bracket 122 is fabricated fromglass-filled acetal and has a steel rod 290 running through the center.

Referring to FIG. 28, the pivot bar 48 is shown. The pivot bar 48 has adimple 250. The pivot bar 48 also has a first end 252 and a second end253. The first end 252 of the pivot bar 48 has ring like protrusions254, 255, 256. The second end 253 of the pivot bar 48 has ring-likeprotrusions 262, 263. The dimple 250 has a first part 266 and a secondpart 268.

Referring to FIG. 29, a pair of pivot brackets 122 are on the pivot bar48. The first pivot bracket 270 is located between the ring-likeprotrusion 256 and the dimple 250. The first pivot bracket 270 has afirst flange 274 and a second flange 276. The first flange 274 abuts thering like protrusion 256. The second pivot bracket 272 has a firstflange 278 and a second flange 280. The second flange 280 abuts thering-like protrusion 262. To place the first pivot bracket 270 and thesecond pivot bracket 272 on the pivot bar 48 during assembly of theseating assembly 10, the first pivot bracket 270 is slid over the dimple250 and moved adjacent to the ring-like protrusion 256. Similarly, thesecond pivot bracket 272 is slid over the dimple 250 and moved adjacentto the ring like protrusion 262. In the depicted aspects, the pivot bar48 is an elongated rod. In operation, the first pivot bracket 270 andthe second pivot bracket 272 are operationally coupled to a location ofthe pivot bar 48 that has a constant diameter. Referring to FIGS. 28 and29, in various aspects of the disclosure, the pivot bar 48 may have afirst portion with a distance D₂ across the dimple 250 and a secondportion with a diameter D₃. The diameter D₃ is greater than the distanceD₂. The pivot brackets 122 are mounted on the elongated rod (pivot bar48 in the depicted aspect) at the first portion with a first distance D₂and moved to the second portion with the diameter D₃ for operation.

Referring to FIG. 30, the hip lifter mechanism 120 is shown in aschematic view in an initial state in which the seatback 14 is upright.Arrows 294 depict the directions of motion when the hip lifter mechanismis activated from the seatback upright position towards the fullyreclined position.

The SEATING ASSEMBLY WITH SUSPENSION is also disclosed in co-pendingcommonly assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC application 83892334,entitled SEATING ASSEMBLY PIVOT BRACKET the entire contents of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In various aspects of the disclosure, the seat suspension (exemplarilyshown as the secondary suspension 52 in the depicted aspect) may becoupled to various types of lower seating structures that may or may nothave underlying suspensions (exemplarily shown as the primary suspension54 in the depicted aspect).

It is to be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the present disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “operably connected” generallymeans that one component functions with respect to another component,even if there are other components located between the first and secondcomponent, and the term “operable” defines a functional relationshipbetween components.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplaryembodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of thepresent innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure,those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readilyappreciate that, unless otherwise described, many modifications arepossible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes andproportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thesubject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formedmay be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple partsmay be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may bereversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structuresand/or members or connector or other elements of the system may bevaried, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided betweenthe elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/orassemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide varietyof materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of awide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, andomissions may be made in the design, operating positions, andarrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lifter mechanism for an edge of a seat cushion,comprising: a suspension; and a bracket detachable from and rotatableabout a transverse bar extending laterally between opposed lower seatframe members, wherein the bracket includes a forward lever coupled tothe suspension, a rearward portion coupled to a linkage, and a collarportion disposed about a top portion of the transverse bar, and thelinkage is coupled to a seatback, wherein the forward lever raises anedge of the suspension upon the seatback pivoting to a predeterminedreclined position, wherein each of the seat cushion and the seatback hasan exposed surface, and wherein the exposed surfaces of each of the seatcushion and the seatback substantially occupy a same horizontal planewhen the seatback is in a fully reclined position.
 2. The liftermechanism of claim 1, wherein the linkage has a slot including an upperend and a lower end, and wherein the rearward portion of the bracketincludes a pin received within the slot, wherein the lower end of theslot being proximate with the pin corresponds to an upright position ofthe seatback, and wherein the upper end of the slot being in initialcontact with the pin corresponds to the predetermined reclined positionbetween the upright position and the fully reclined position.
 3. Thelifter mechanism of claim 2, wherein pivoting the seatback between thepredetermined reclined position and the fully reclined position urgesthe upper end of the slot against the pin to rotate the bracket and toraise the forward lever and the edge of the seat cushion upwardly. 4.The lifter mechanism of claim 1, wherein the predetermined reclinedposition is about 55.5° relative to a vertical plane.
 5. The liftermechanism of claim 1, wherein the suspension includes a channel forslidably receiving a projection that extends from the forward lever. 6.The lifter mechanism of claim 1, wherein the suspension includes asecondary suspension, and wherein the lifter mechanism further comprisesa primary suspension.
 7. The lifter mechanism of claim 6, wherein thesecondary suspension includes a frame and a mat.
 8. The lifter mechanismof claim 7, wherein the primary suspension includes one or more wiressupported by the transverse bar.
 9. The lifter mechanism of claim 6,wherein the primary suspension and the secondary suspension are moldedas an integral part.
 10. A seating assembly for a motor vehicle,comprising: a seat frame; a suspension disposed proximate the seatframe; a pivot bar laterally extending between rearward portions of theseat frame; a lower seat pivot mount disposed at a rearward end of theseat frame; a cushion assembly supported by the suspension; a seatbackpivotable between an upright position and a fully reclined position andoperably coupled with the lower seat pivot mount; and a hip liftermechanism including: a bracket operably coupled with and rotationallydisposed relative to the pivot bar and having; a forward lever; arearward portion; and a collar portion, wherein the forward lever raisesan edge of the suspension upwardly upon the seatback pivoting to apredetermined reclined position between the upright position and thefully reclined position, and wherein the rearward portion is coupled toa linkage, and wherein the linkage is coupled to the seatback.
 11. Theseating assembly of claim 10, wherein the suspension and the seatbackare arrangeable in first, second, and third configurations as follows: afirst configuration, wherein the seatback is upright, the suspension issubstantially horizontal, a projection attached to the forward lever isproximate a front end of a channel of the suspension, a pin attached tothe rearward portion is proximate a lower portion of a slot in thelinkage, and the bracket is in a substantially horizontal position; asecond configuration, wherein the seatback is at a predeterminedreclined position, the suspension is substantially horizontal, theprojection attached to the forward lever is proximate a front end of thechannel, the pin attached to the rearward portion is in initial contactwith an upper portion of the slot in the linkage, and the bracket is ina substantially horizontal position; and a third configuration, whereinthe seatback is in a fully reclined position, the suspension is in adiagonal position, the projection attached to the forward lever isproximate the rearward end of the channel, the pin attached to therearward portion is in contact with the upper portion of the slot in thelinkage, and the bracket is in a diagonal position.
 12. The seatingassembly of claim 11, wherein the bracket rotates about the pivot barbetween the second configuration and the third configuration.
 13. Theseating assembly of claim 11, wherein the predetermined reclinedposition is about 55.5° relative to a vertical plane.
 14. The seatingassembly of claim 11, wherein the fully reclined position is about 85°relative to a vertical plane.
 15. The seating assembly of claim 11,wherein the seatback includes a seatback pivot mount at a lower portionof the seatback, and wherein the seatback pivot mount is operablycoupled with the lower seat pivot mount.
 16. A seating assembly,comprising: a seatback pivotally coupled to a lower seating structure; apivot bar disposed between opposed lateral lower seat frame members ofthe lower seating structure; a hip lifter mechanism disposed between theseatback and the lower seating structure and including: a bracketoperably coupled with and rotationally disposed around a top portion ofthe pivot bar and having: a forward lever; a rearward portion; and acollar portion disposed between the forward lever and the rearwardportion; and a suspension slidably coupled to the forward lever of thebracket and including a front edge rotatably coupled to the lowerseating structure, wherein when the seatback is rotated from an uprightposition toward a fully reclined position, a linkage coupled to theseatback and a rearward portion of the bracket moves downward, thebracket rotates about the pivot bar in a first direction, and a frontedge of the suspension rotates about an axis defined by the lowerseating structure in a second direction.
 17. The seating assembly ofclaim 16, wherein the first direction includes a direction toward anexposed surface of the seatback, and wherein the second directionincludes a direction away from the exposed surface of the seatback. 18.The seating assembly of claim 17, wherein the forward lever of thebracket moves upward and the rearward portion of the bracket movesdownward as the bracket is rotated in the first direction about thepivot bar.
 19. The seating assembly of claim 18, wherein, in the fullyreclined position, an exposed surface of the lower seating structure andthe exposed surface of the seatback substantially occupy the samehorizontal plane.
 20. The seating assembly of claim 16, wherein thelower seating structure includes a wire, wherein the wire ispositionable in an opening of a clip that is coupled to the suspension,and wherein the wire defines the axis.